NEWSWIRE

MAJOR ASSOCIATES BACK WOOLF REPORT

In the aftermath of the fairly radical Woolf report on independent governance for the ICC, one group of cricketing nations has indicated that it wants itsrecommendations implemented. Some of the leading Associate countries would like the Woolf recommendations - about a clear pathway to Full Member status, a fairer financial model with funds distributed on a "needs" basis and the adoption of best governance practices - followed through by the ruling body.

Of these, leading Associates believe the recommendation that Full Member status need not be restricted only to Test playing nations will be key to their game development and financial growth.

A handful of the Full Members have already commented publicly on the report, which has called for sweeping changes in the administration of cricket and the functioning of the ICC. The BCCI's working committee rejected the key recommendations concerning the restructuring of the ICC, but Cricket Australia and the PCB have been more measured in their comments, saying that it would be wrong to reject the report out of hand and that the ICC executive board should seek a consensus among cricket boards before deciding whether to implement it or not.